Talks only about wins, not losses.Gambles more often, for longer periods, for more money.Hides gambling losses from family members.Lies about gambling directly or by omission.Uses gambling as a means to cope.Gambling in spite of negative consequences, such as large losses or family problems.Unexplained absence of household or personal items.Withdrawal from friends or family.Started gambling with groups but now gambles alone.Bored if not gambling-Says there is nothing else to do.Gambling is primary form of recreation and socialization.Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit.Borrowing money from friends and family.Unable to meet living expenses previously met.Depleting financial reserves: Cashing in savings, retirement, pensions, 401K, IRAs and insurance plans to get money to gamble.Gambling on credit: credit cards, bank loan, second mortgages, kiting checks.

Who is at Risk?

While ANYBODY can cross the line from occasional, recreational gambler to out-of-control, problem gambler, the following risk factors have been identified. Any one of these risk factors, or a combination of any or all, seem to increase the likelihood of someone developing a gambling problem:

1.) A stressful life event, such as death of a loved one, divorce, physical injury, disability, serious illness, relocation, and other trauma

2.) A Big Win early on in their gambling experience

3.) A family history of problem gambling, alcoholism or other addictions

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

The compulsive gambler attempts to create an image as a philanthropist and an all around "good fellow". Much of the time the gambler lives in a dream world which satisfies his or her emotional needs. The gambler dreams of a life filled with friends, new cars, furs, penthouses, yachts, etc. Pathetically there seems never to be big enough winnings to make even the smallest dream come true; probably because whatever monies won are, to the gambler, sacred. He or she must always return to win more; no amount is sufficient. Ultimately the gambler gambles in reckless desperation and his or her dream world brings no relief. The gambler destroys himself or herself and everyone the gambler touches.

I can understand gambling in bigger cities like Las Vegas and New Jersey. Can you imagine living in such a small community and the only entertainment we have is gambling. People are throwing there money in these machine's and letting families go without. Im not asking to stop the lottery just the poker machine and slot machines in small convient stores----at one time they said it was illegal. Im sure states can find a better way to raise the capital revenue rather than see gambler's put the machine first and family last.

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